2018 Shiraz St.-Henri

A great St. Henri and, although multi-regional, this is very much a wine that speaks of the Barossa Valley, with aromas of ripe blackberries and red plums that are so fresh, together with tobacco, young-leather, earth, chocolate, coal-smoke and tarry accents. Effortless depth on the palate with summer berries, framed in fine, alabaster-like tannins that are underscored with discreet power. So long and captivating. A blend of Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Port Lincoln, Robe, Padthaway, Clare Valley and Adelaide Hills. Drink over the next decade or more. Screw cap. (06/2021)

The finest vintage I've ever tasted, surpassing even the incredible 2016 (time will tell, anyways), the 2018 Shiraz St. Henri is, as always, a multi-region blend yet is mostly Barossa Shiraz, and the aging is always in larger oak vats. (Don't tell anyone, but I often prefer St. Henri to Grange.) The 2018 is absolutely brilliant, revealing a saturated purple hue to go with a smorgasbord-like array of ripe blueberries, mulberries, iron, lavender, sage, and ground pepper. It has an almost bloody, salty character and is full-bodied, massively concentrated, opulent, and rich yet stays flawlessly balanced, has sweet tannins, and has a great finish. It's certainly more open and assessable compared to the 2016 at this same stage, but this awesome Shiraz will evolve gracefully for another 2-3 decades, if not longer. Bravo. (10/2023)

Juicy blueberry and huckleberry fruit flavors at the core are accented by black and red licorice details, with dense, grippy tannins and notes of black pepper and Earl Grey tea. Impressive for its concentration and focus, along with its muscular structure.- MaryAnn Worobiec